University of AlbertaThe University of Alberta Pandas basketball team keeps proving why they belong in national championship conversations.
This past weekend, the Pandas travelled across the river to face their in-city rivals, the MacEwan University Griffins. These two games became the Pandas’ most dominant showings of the year, excelling on offence and defence.
The Friday game was over within the first half. They pulled away in the first quarter with a 20-4 lead and never looked back. Mishynn Miller kicked off the scoring in the first quarter and finished with 17 points. Another key starter was Kiah Easton-Ihediohanma, finishing with nine points and a couple of assists.
Due to the lead, the Alberta bench had a big day. Second-year wing McKinley Penninga put up 12 points and drained all of her threes, marking her best performance of the year. Additionally, Rylee Semeniuk posted eight points, her largest total of the year.
The final score was 79-23 for the Pandas. Between the 16 steals and the 40 rebounds, it was clear they were in control. This was the Pandas’ most lopsided defensive effort of the season.
Clean sweep
On Saturday, the Griffins scored double the amount of points they had the previous game. However, that number still remains unimpressive, and the Pandas pulled off another blowout win.
Reece Hall led the starters with 20 points, adding six rebounds and three steals. Additionally, Morgan Harris and Easton-Ihediohanma each put up 13 points.
Coming off the bench, fourth-year guard Annancy Palmer recorded a season-high 22 points. This exciting breakout performance gives Palmer and the rest of the non-starters some encouragement that they can make a big impact on the game.
The game finished 85-59. Once again, the Griffins were locked out of a lead from the very beginning. The Pandas controlled the tempo throughout, rarely giving MacEwan clean looks.
Looking forward
The Pandas now sit at 8-0. Counting non-conference pre-season tournaments, they sit at an incredible 15-0. This dominance is inspiring; however, they aren’t alone in the 8-0 club.
The University of Calgary Dinos, University of Regina Cougars, and University of Saskatchewan Huskies all remain undefeated. Coincidentally, they are all members of the Prairie Division of Canada West. These prairie titans are projecting to make the Canada West playoffs an entertaining battle. It’s shaping up to be one of the strongest fields the conference has seen in years.
This weekend, the Pandas travel to Winnipeg to face the University of Winnipeg Wesmen, who currently sit at 2-7. Based on the Pandas’ previous wins, it is easy to expect another two wins to push them toward 10-0.
With how the season is going, it is not surprising the Pandas were ranked number two in the country. It is still early in the season, but Pandas fans are hoping for another deep playoff run.
